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Diverticulitis

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What is Diverticulitis?

Diverticulitis is a condition that develops when diverticula, which are small pouches in the intestine, become inflamed or infected. It is not unusual for people to have diverticula, especially after the age of 40. In most cases, diverticula do not cause any problems, but when diverticulitis develops as a result of inflammation or infection, people will experience uncomfortable symptoms.

What are symptoms of diverticulitis?

Since diverticulitis affects the intestines, it causes symptoms associated with gastrointestinal distress. Common symptoms of diverticulitis include:

  • Pain, typically in the lower left portion of the abdomen
  • Fever
  • Tenderness in the abdomen
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Constipation
  • In some cases, diarrhea

With symptoms of diverticulitis, abdominal pain may be constant and last for several days. Unexplained, persistent abdominal pain is a sign that you should seek medical treatment.

What causes diverticulitis?

According to experts, diverticula develop when pressure causes weak spots in the colon to give way. When these diverticula tear, it results in inflammation, and in some cases infection, leading to diverticulitis.

There are some risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing diverticulitis:

  • Smoking
  • Obesity
  • Lack of exercise
  • Being of older age
  • Taking certain medications, such as steroids or opioids
  • Eating a diet that is high in fat and low in fiber

How serious is diverticulitis?

In about 25% of cases, diverticulitis can cause complications. For instance, some people may develop abscesses, from pus collecting in the diverticula. Diverticulitis can also cause a blockage in the bowels as a result of scarring.

Another complication of diverticulitis is the development of a fistula, or an abnormal connection, between the bowel and other areas of the body.

In serious cases, diverticulitis can lead to peritonitis, which occurs when the diverticula rupture, causing material from the intestines to leak into the abdominal cavity. Peritonitis is considered a medical emergency.

What is the treatment for diverticulitis?

The treatment for diverticulitis will depend upon the severity of the condition. If you have a mild case, you can likely recover at home. A doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat diverticulitis, but sometimes, the condition will go away on its own without medication. A doctor is likely to recommend a liquid diet until symptoms of diverticulitis improve.

More serious cases of diverticulitis are likely to require hospitalization to treat the condition. During a hospital stay, treatment for diverticulitis includes intravenous antibiotics, as well as a tube to drain the fluid from an abscess, if one has developed.

For people who have recurrent cases of diverticulitis, a weakened immune system, or complications like a bowel obstruction, surgery may be necessary to treat diverticulitis.

You can reduce your risk of diverticulitis and related complications by getting plenty of exercise and eating a diet that contains adequate amounts of fiber from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It is also important to drink plenty of water and to avoid smoking.

Applicable Procedures

Colonoscopy

How serious is diverticulitis?

In about 25% of cases, people will suffer from complications with diverticulitis. These can include the development of abscesses, a bowel blockage, or an abnormal connection between the bowel and other body parts. In rare cases, it can cause a rupture called peritonitis, which is potentially life-threatening.

Are there ways to prevent diverticulitis?

You can reduce your risk of diverticulitis by practicing healthy lifestyle habits, such as avoiding smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, getting plenty of exercise, and getting enough fiber in your diet.

What is the treatment for diverticulitis?

Treatment will vary based upon the severity of the condition. Some people may not need any treatment, whereas others will need to take antibiotics or follow a liquid diet. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary.

Common Symptoms

  • “I sometimes suffer from stomach pain that is constant and lasts for days at a time.”
  • “My stomach is tender to the touch, and I get pain in the lower left area of my belly.”
  • “I have been experiencing nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting along with a slight fever.”

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What They Are Saying

Excellent
Center For Digestive Health, Rochester Hills4.8
Based on 6251 reviews
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Ralph P.
Well organized office. No wait and taken care of quickly . All members of the team were professional and caring. Exceeded expectations in all areas.
Tarey T.
The only issue is that the communication manager does not handle comms well in either direction. But the center, its doctors etc are worth even that.
Tcat
For me, everyone was very courteous, informative, friendly and proffesional. Atmosphere and attitudes was such that it helped ease my anxiety ahead of the procedure.
damon S.
They made the entire experience very comfortable
Irene D.
OMG!!! What a fabulous experience for an unpleasant procedure (seriously, the prep for the colonoscopy is the unpleasant part). EVERYONE working there, from reception to nurses, assistants and the doctor were kind and friendly and really professional. This was my 3rd colonoscopy, but this center was the best facility by far. I highly recommend the Center for Digestive Health in Troy, Michigan. Thanks for the great experience!
Katherine D.
Kind, courteous and respectful. Can't ask for more in a doctor's office. Oh yes, they don't give up easily just because I'm elderly. Very important to me.
Shannon M.
Nothing but A+ service from Dr. Quallich and staff. Dr. Quallich is very nice and absolutely honest with you
Rose D.
I was treated well. Overall a pleasant experience!
Jinyang
Doctor Weber is very nice and listening
Lydia D.
Dr. Nandi is very thorough he makes sure all tests are ok. We did a video call and it was on time.He is so nice and patient and doesn’t rush you to finish. I have been a patient with him for years.
Andrew C.
Exallant medical service highly recommended. Thx
Martin C.
Normally i am a gentleman who is afraid of hospitals and doctors but here with this people (staff) I felt very nice and comfortable like my home , thank you!!
Thad J.
Efficient and friendly.
Trisha S.
The office scheduled me promptly. And the procedure was done in a very timely manner. Everyone from the nurse, nurse anesthetist, the doctor were are kind and professional
Michail C.
From initial booking, to constant reminders and check-ins, through procedure, to after procedure courtesy check they were great. Highly recommend.
Margaret P.
Good experience with the doctors including all staff.
Amy Y.
Everyone on the staff is nice and welcoming. Great facility and staff.
David O.
Minimal wait time both in lobby and exam room. Dr. Wille and staff are great!
Michelle P.
Friendly staff! Besides the IV which hurt like crazy everything else was perfect!
Nicole E.
Dr. Donat is the very best! He is thorough, a wonderful diagnostician, kind, patient with an excellent bedside manner!
Jennifer S.
All staff were professional and courteous from start to finish. The doctors and other medical staff were excellent and made me feel very comfortable.
Geraldine B.
Staff very friendly. Appointment was on time. She answered all my question.
Cathy T.
I just became a patient and so far, everyone has been professional and more than helpful. I certainly would recommend.
Sue M.
Still loving phone appointments! Suffer abdominal migraines, and Dr.Tocco has made them so much easier go through. Convenient and gets right to the problem...much thanks!
Karen L.
They were very organized, clean and made me feel comfortable.The entire experience was great. I was very pleased with the overall service. I would highly recommend.
The Center for Digestive Health4.8
Based on 6256 reviews
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catherine D.
My experience at Center for Digestive Health / Surgical Centers of Michigan was a very easy experience. Each member of this team from check-in to intake info to the surgery was professional, quick and actually a pleasant experience. Highly recommend this facility.
Jandar K.
Everyone was so nice, especially Dr Weber. He did not rush us through the consultation, answered all her questions, and gave us options. Just made me very comfortable.
john S.
Couldn't have gone better, given the circumstances! My Doctor is 2nd to none,, the entire staff made for one of the best experiences I have within the medical field. Thank you CDH!
Jay B.
Everyone was very pleasant and helpful in a well run, comfortable office. Dr. Willie was great! His sense of humor, positive attitude and empathy was refreshing.

Our Doctors

We’re proud of our team here at Digestive Health Institute. Our health care providers include some of the very best colorectal surgeons, gastroenterologists and physician assistants. To learn more about our qualified team of specialists, please visit our providers page.

Amir Abadir MD, FRCPC

Anezi E. Bakken MD, MS

Sante D. Bologna MD, FACP

M. Emin Donat MD, FRCPC

Partha S. Nandi

Jack Tocco DO

John R. Weber MD

Richard T. Wille MD

Tusar Desai MD

Aalia Saeed, MD

FAQs

What happens during my first visit?
If you are a new patient, you can expect to have a complete physical exam. You will also be asked detailed questions about your current problems and your past medical history, your current medications, allergies, your family history and other pertinent medical information. If you are taking medications, please bring a completed medical history form with you to your appointment. Once the physician has reviewed your medical information and completed the physical examination, a plan of care will be developed. You may need to be seen again in the office, be referred back to your family physician for follow-up care, or require additional testing. If additional tests are needed, we will assist you in scheduling these tests.
What if I need to schedule an endoscopic procedure?

An endoscopic procedure allows the physician to visualize a part of your gastrointestinal tract with a special instrument called an endoscope. If your family physician has ordered testing, you will be contacted by telephone by one of our staff members. If a physician orders testing and you are in the office, the procedure can generally be scheduled during the course of your visit. You will be given a date, time, and location for the test, as well as written instructions telling you how to prepare for the test. If you have any questions about the procedure, please feel free to ask one of our staff members or the physician.

How do I get test results?

We ask that you wait 10 to 14 days before contacting us for results. Often results come from several different sources. This information needs to be compiled and reviewed by your physician before you can be appropriately advised. 

What insurances do you accept?

We accept payment from most insurance companies including Medicare, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Blue Care Network, Physicians Health Plan, Cofinity, Sparrow Professional Health Network, Medicaid, McLaren, Health Plus, and several others. Accepted insurances are subject to change at any time without notice.

If your insurance requires an authorization from your primary care physician, you may be asked to assist us in obtaining this authorization.

All patients are responsible for all copays and deductibles at the time of service.

If you have any questions regarding your benefits or insurance coverage, please contact our Billing Department at 248-844-9710.

What if I need to contact the doctor?

To contact your doctor during business hours please call our main number 248-844-9710. If you have an urgent need to speak with the doctor after hours, you will be rerouted to our after hours answering service, and your doctor will be paged. In the case of a medical emergency please proceed directly to the nearest hospital emergency room.

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